Dear Time,

Stimulation for the human mind is vital as you so eloquently described in
your article "Fertile Minds" February 3,  but also vital is the the fuel the
mind requires to have optimal development and function,  mother's milk.
Babies that are artificially fed have lower IQ, and perform worse on all
cognitive tests. None of the commercial artifical milks made from processed
cow's milk, soy beans and other additives come close in providing infants
with optimal health or brain development.  Scientists still are unable to
change the essential proteins of cow's milk or soy beans to even come close
to the high quality, brain building human proteins in mother's own
breastmilk.  Ingredients are being added yearly to artificial baby milks as
they are discovered and found to be important in mother's milk. Most parents
want to give their child 'the best' and don't want to be manipulated by
marketers of the huge artificial baby milk industry into choosing  an
inferior food for their child. But they are. Psychological advertising
touting these as "gentle" and "complete" leave out the information that the
baby will have double the medical bills, and 8 to 10 points lower IQ if
parents choose this product over low cost hight quality mother's milk.  Human
milk banks are also available and could be used much more as they are in
Sweden for those unable to provide their own milk for their babies.

These facts are important for child care and welfare reform.  Child care
givers need to support and encourage mothers to continue to provide their
milk for the baby when they are away, and welfare needs to recognize and
support mothers in their efforts to breastfeed.  Currently there are many
barriers in Americal society that make it difficult for mothers to continue
breastfeeding beyond a few weeks, that could be removed with public awareness
and support.  (Employers willingly providing breaks for mothers to nurse or
expess their milk for the baby, private rooms to use, etc.)

Parents need truthful information. Unfortunately your article omitted even
mentioning this most important subject and left the impression that
stimulation ALONE is the ticket to a good mind.

Jane Bradshaw RN, BSN,
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
Lynchburg, VA